The new agreement extends an alliance first created in 1997.
Under the terms of the new deal, both leagues will support mutually agreed, co-branded grassroots programmes in Canada.
The partnership maintains current player transfer guidelines and marks the end of any financial obligation between the leagues from the original 1997 agreement.
CFL players with an option year remaining on their CFL contracts will continue to be permitted to sign contracts with NFL teams through the 2006 season. As in the past, these CFL players will not be allocated to NFL Europe teams.
In addition to grassroots development and player transfer rules, the NFL will also provide exposure for live CFL games (including the Grey Cup, on a non-exclusive basis) through the NFL Network in the US.
Said CFL commissioner Tom Wright: “The Canadian Football League is in a new and stronger position. We look forward to the continued development of our game in Canada with recent solid results as our foundation. Better business performance in broadcast, at the gate and in retail has changed our focus to expansion of the Canadian game at the professional and amateur levels. To that end, our partnership with the NFL will play an important role in allowing us to better understand and prepare for the future of football in Canada."
Added NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue: “We support the CFL and its unique role in Canada, and share its goal of strengthening the interest and support of football among Canadians.
“As partners we have worked successfully to strengthen the sport of football in Canada, and the NFL looks forward to working with the CFL to build on these programmes."
